Santa Barbara County

Yes, this one is usually designated as California syrah, which is the appellation one must use when blending wines from different viticultural areas. But we are purchasing more grapes from Santa Barbara County these days as more quality oriented growers plant new vineyards.

In 2000 the blend is comprised of mostly cool climate syrah, which gives the wine a spicier, peppery character than previous efforts. The fruit came from very low yielding vineyards, and so this wine is particularly concentrated. The fruit sources are Bien Nacido, White Hawk, Stolpman, and Vogelzang. Perhaps our best blend since the chocolaty rich 1997.